Payam Mirrashidi: SF DaysReflections on the City, Sillicon Valley and other places and events near and far.Pirate Booty- January 21, 2004 The one great thing about free market capitalism is that needs can get met efficiently. Entrepreneurs are free to step in when supply does not meet demand. Having said that, I have to admit some surprise that there is a market for pirate supplies in my city. Then again, having such a store is a testament to the power of the market since the city does push the 49er, romantic side of the Barbary Coast to tourists with signage all over downtown. The store at 826 Valencia sells a small collection...http://www.mirrashidi.com/sfdays/archives/000081.html A smile a day- January 1, 2004 As I walk around Union Square these days, I find that the people I walk past are much more likely to smile at me than they were a few months ago. It's quite noticeable; I will argue that I was almost wholly ignored previously. But not anymore. Today, it's as if I'm walking down the street handing out twenties. Well, not quite; I should mention that when I head down the hill I usually have Sophia hitched up to me in a Baby Björn. It's surprising to me how much people on the street will go...http://www.mirrashidi.com/sfdays/archives/000075.html |